Ash Barty is likely to make her tennis return during the European claycourt season following Australia's direct progression to the Billie Jean King Cup finals.
Ash Barty won't make her return to tennis in Australia after all following the International Tennis Federation's decision to dump Russia from the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup.
Barty had targeted a comeback in front of her beloved Brisbane fans in Australia's scheduled Cup clash with Slovakia next month.
The world No.1 and three-time grand slam champion hasn't played in the competition since piloting Australia to the 2019 final, when then event was still known as the Fed Cup.
But Australia have advanced straight to the finals after the ITF's decision to ban reigning champions Russia from this year's event.
As the highest-ranked team among the 2021 losing semi-finalists, Australia will take Russia's place in the finals at a yet-to-be-determined venue in November.
Australian captain Alicia Molik welcomed the decision while lamenting the chance for her team to play in the flood-affected Queensland capital.
"The hard work and efforts of our whole team that performed so well to reach the semi-finals last year will be rewarded," Molik said.
"While we would have loved the opportunity to play a home tie - and all the players were looking forward to competing in front of Aussie fans - we are excited to get another chance to play for the Billie Jean King Cup."
After advancing from the group stage in Prague last year, Australia bowed out following losses in both singles rubbers in their semi against Switzerland.
Slovakia will also receive a bye and advance directly to the finals, as will Belgium who were scheduled to play Belarus, who have also been banned from the international teams' event.
Australia, Slovakia and Belgium will join 2021 runners-up Switzerland at the 2022 finals alongside the winning nations from the remaining seven qualifiers in April.
Russia were banned from defending their Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup titles following a February 24 invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus is a key staging area for the invasion, which Russia says is a "special operation".
"This is a difficult time for so many and the circumstances are unique," Molik said.
"Our thoughts and wishes are with everyone in Ukraine."
Barty hasn't played since winning the Australian Open in January, saying her body wasn't sufficiently recovered from a gruelling summer campaign.
After opting out of Indian Wells this week plus her title defence in Miami, the 25-year-old is now likely make her return to the WTA Tour during the claycourt season in Europe.
